RU2643103C2 - External fixing connecting rod for fast and smooth adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: connecting rod for an external fixing device defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a telescopic housing with a housing body having an axial channel extending therethrough, an inner sleeve and an adjusting mechanism. The inner sleeve body has an axial channel, a discretely positioning flange passing through it and connected to the distal end of the sleeve body, and a tip connected to the distal surface of the discretely positioning flange. The adjusting mechanism is disposed around the inner sleeve tip and comprises the first rotating member, the second rotating member, a biasing member adjacent to the proximal portion of the second rotating member, and an elongated member provided with an external thread. The first rotating member has an axial passage extending therethrough which comprises: a polygonal recess at the distal end and an inner recess at the proximal end configured to receive a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein. The second rotating member has a threaded axial passage extending therethrough. The second rotating member comprises a polygonal head at the distal end, adapted to interface with the polygonal recess of the first rotating member; and a proximal portion comprising an internal recess configured to receive the tip of the inner sleeve therein. The biasing member is located adjacent to the proximal portion of the second rotating member. The elongated member is provided with an external thread by means of a thread connected inside the second rotating member of the adjusting mechanism. In the first locked position, in the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member, a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve is located, which thus prevents the adjusting mechanism from rotating about the inner sleeve and the elongated member. In the second unlocked position, the first rotating member is moved in the distal direction relative to the second rotating member and the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member is withdrawn from the interaction with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve, thereby allowing the adjusting mechanism to rotate about the inner sleeve and the elongated member. As the adjusting mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated member, the latter is moved inside the axial passage formed in the inner sleeve during smooth adjustment and thus increases or decreases the total length of the connecting rod. As the adjusting mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated member, the adjusting mechanism is biased by the biasing member to return to the first locked position when the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and receives the said flange. A method for adjustment the position of the first and second outer fixing devices, according to which: a) the above connecting rod is provided, b) the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve is received into the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member and thus prevents the adjusting mechanism from rotating about the inner sleeve and the elongated member in the first locked position, c) the first rotating member is moved relative to the second rotating member and internal recess of the distal end of the first rotating member along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod and rotates the first rotating member about the inner sleeve to thereby release the first rotating member from interaction with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and enable the adjustment mechanism to rotate around the inner sleeve and elongated member in the second unlocked position, d) the adjusting mechanism is rotated around the inner sleeve and the elongated member, thus moving the elongated member within the axial channel formed in the inner sleeve during smooth adjustment of the total length of the connecting rod, and e) the biasing member is biased to return to the first locked position when the adjusting mechanism rotates about the inner sleeve and elongated member, and when the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and receives the said flange.

EFFECT: inventions provide fast and coarse adjustment of the rod length and a possibility of simple and rigid attachment to the non-parallel external rings of the fixator.

15 cl, 13 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 13 / 675,961, filed November 13, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of external fixation and, in particular, to connecting rods having an adjustment mechanism that provides quick and smooth adjustment of the total length of the connecting rods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, this justification section describes external locking devices and, in particular, connecting rods. In general, external fixation devices are commonly used in various types of surgical interventions, including limb lengthening, deformity correction, fracture reduction, and treatment of nonunion, abnormal adhesion, and bone defects. The process involves the use of a rigid structure containing several rings that are placed outside around the limb and attached to the bone segments using wires and pins with a half-length notch inserted into the bone segments and connected to the corresponding section of the external rigid structure. Opposite rings of rigid construction are mutually connected by threaded rods or telescopic rods directly or in conjunction with uniplanar or multiplanar hinges, which provide the surgeon with the ability to connect opposite rings that are not parallel to each other after quick (sharp) or gradual over a period of time manipulations with bone segments.

[0004] For example, in the treatment of reduction of a bone fracture or nonunion, wires and pins with a half-length notch are inserted into each bone segment and attached to rings of a rigid structure. A rigid structure is used to drastically reduce displacement and restore alignment between bone segments. During the re-alignment of bone segments, the orientations of the opposite rings are often not parallel. Opposite rings of rigid construction are connected together by threaded rods or telescopic rods with uniplanar or multiplanar hinges attached. This provides the possibility of rigid fixation of the opposite segment of the bone until the healing of the fracture or the completion of bone consolidation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure contains embodiments of an external locking connecting rod that provides quick and coarse adjustment of the length of the rod and is capable of simple and rigid attachment to non-parallel external retainer rings.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a connecting rod for an external fixing device defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: a telescopic body comprising a body of a body having an axial channel extending therethrough; the inner sleeve, located with the possibility of sliding inside the axial channel of the telescopic body, connected in a disconnectable manner with the telescopic body by means of a fastener and containing:

the body of the sleeve having an axial channel made passing through it;

discrete positioning flange connected to the distal end of the body of the sleeve; and a tip connected to the distal surface of the discretely positioning flange; an adjustment mechanism located around the tip of the inner sleeve and containing:

a first rotating element having an axial channel made passing through it, comprising: a polygonal recess at the distal end; and an inner recess at the proximal end, configured to accommodate a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein; a second rotating element having a threaded axial channel made passing through it, the second rotating element comprising: a polygonal head at a distal end configured to interface with a polygonal recess of the first rotating element; and the closest portion containing the inner recess, configured to accommodate the tip of the inner sleeve;

a biasing element located next to the closest part of the second rotating element; and an elongated element provided with an external thread, by means of a thread connected inside the second rotating element of the adjusting mechanism; moreover, in the first, locked position in the inner recess of the nearest end of the first rotating element is placed discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve, which, thus, prevents the rotation of the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element; while in the second unlocked position, the first rotating element moves distally relative to the second rotating element, and the inner recess of the closest end of the first rotating element goes out of interaction with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve, thereby allowing the adjustment mechanism to rotate around the inner sleeve and the elongated item; moreover, when the adjusting mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the elongated element moves inside the axial channel made in the inner sleeve during smooth adjustment and, thus, increases or decreases the total length of the connecting rod; and while the adjustment mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the adjustment mechanism is shifted by the biasing element to return to the first, locked position, when the inner recess of the nearest end of the first rotating element is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and accommodates the specified flange.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an adjusting mechanism for a connecting rod, comprising: a first rotating member having an axial channel extending therethrough, which comprises: a recess at a distal end; and an inner recess at the proximal end, configured to accommodate a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein; a second rotating element having an axial channel threaded through it, the second rotating element comprising: a discretely positioning head formed at the distal end, configured to interface with a recess of the first rotating element,

moreover, the shape of the specified discrete positioning head provides the ability to rotate the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element; moreover, when the adjusting mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the elongated element moves inside the axial channel made in the inner sleeve during smooth adjustment and, thus, increases or decreases the total length of the connecting rod; and while the adjustment mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the adjustment mechanism is shifted by the biasing element to return to the first, locked position, when the inner recess of the nearest end of the first rotating element is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and accommodates the specified flange.

[0008] According to one aspect, when the fastener is loosened, the inner sleeve can slide within the axial channel of the telescopic body during quick adjustment and thus increase or decrease the total length of the connecting rod. According to another aspect, the telescopic housing comprises a first hinge connected to the nearest end portion of the body of the housing, and a first rotating element located in the first hinge, the first rotating element comprising a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the first rotating element to the first ring in a disengaged manner.

According to another aspect, the externally threaded elongated element comprises a second hinge connected to the distal end portion of the threaded rod and a second rotary element housed in the second hinge, the second rotatable element comprising a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the second rotary element second ring. According to another aspect, the biasing member is a spring, a leaf spring, a clamp, a coil spring, a wave spring, a spring with linear stiffness, a spring with increasing stiffness, a spring with double stiffness, a flat spring, a conical spring or a compression spring. According to another aspect, the outer circumference of the discretely positioning flange is substantially similar in shape to the inner side wall of the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member, and thus allows the discretely positioning flange to be placed in the inner recess in the first locked position. According to another aspect, the outer circumference of the discretely positioning flange comprises two opposing flat sides separated by two circular parts.

[0009] According to another aspect, the inner side wall of the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member comprises two opposing flat sides separated by two circular parts. According to another aspect, when the adjustment mechanism is in its second unlocked position, the first rotating element and the second rotating element are rotatable 180 ° until the biasing spring returns the adjustment mechanism to the first locked position, thereby causing an increase or decrease in the total length of the connecting rod. According to another aspect, the first rotatable member further comprises an inwardly extending flange distal to the inner recess of the proximal end. According to another aspect, the spring is compressed between the far side of the inwardly extending flange of the first rotating member and the proximal side of the head of the second rotating member when the first compression member moves from the first locked position to the second unlocked position. According to another aspect, the tip of the inner sleeve further comprises a plurality of matching teeth along the outer circumference of the tip.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a method for adjusting the position of the first and second external locking devices, in accordance with which:

- provide a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and comprising: a telescopic body containing the body of the body having an axial channel passing through it; an inner sleeve slidably disposed within the axial channel of the telescopic body, wherein the inner sleeve and the telescopic body are connected in a disconnectable manner by means of a fastener, comprising: a body of the sleeve having an axial channel passing through it;

discrete positioning flange connected to the distal end of the body of the sleeve;

and a tip connected to the distal surface of the discretely positioning flange;

an adjustment mechanism located around the tip of the inner sleeve, comprising: a first rotating element having an axial channel extending through it, which comprises: a polygonal recess at the distal end;

and an inner recess at the proximal end, configured to accommodate a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein;

a second rotating element having a threaded axial channel passing through it and comprising: a polygonal head at a distal end configured to interface with a polygonal recess of the first rotating element; and the closest portion containing the inner recess, configured to accommodate the tip of the inner sleeve;

a biasing element located next to the closest part of the second rotating element;

and provided with an external thread, an elongated element, by means of a thread connected inside the second rotating element of the adjusting mechanism,

- place a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve in the inner recess of the nearest end of the first rotating element and, thus, prevent the adjustment mechanism from rotating around the inner sleeve and the elongated element in the first locked position,

- move the first rotating element relative to the second rotating element and the inner recess of the closest end of the first rotating element along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod and rotate the first rotating element around the inner sleeve to thereby remove the first rotating element from interacting with a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and allowing rotation of the adjustment mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element in the second unlocked position,

- rotate the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element and, thus, move the elongated element inside the axial channel made in the inner sleeve, while continuously adjusting the full length of the connecting rod; and

- biasing element is shifted to return to the first locked position when the adjusting mechanism is rotated around the inner sleeve and the elongated element and when the inner recess of the nearest end of the first rotating element is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and receives the specified flange.

[0011] The connecting rod for an external locking device described in accordance with one embodiment comprises: a telescopic body having a body of the body having an axial passage extending therethrough; a first hinge connected to an end portion of the body of the housing; and a first rotating element disposed in the first hinge, wherein the first rotating element is rotatable relative to the first hinge about the first axis. The first rotating element comprises a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the first rotating element to the first retainer ring in a disjoint manner. The connecting rod further comprises an adjusting sleeve slidingly disposed within the axial channel, the adjusting sleeve and the telescopic housing being connected in a disconnectable manner by means of a fastening element, and the elongated element provided with an external thread is connected to the adjusting sleeve by means of a thread. The elongated element comprises a threaded rod; a second hinge connected to the end portion of the threaded rod; and a second rotating element located in the second hinge, and the second rotating element is made to rotate relative to the second hinge around the second axis.

[0012] The second rotating element comprises a second connecting mechanism configured to connect in a disengaged manner a second rotating element with a second retainer ring. The first and second connecting mechanisms are configured to significantly limit the rotational movement of the first and second rotating elements, respectively.

[0013] According to some embodiments, each of the first and second connecting mechanisms comprises a mounting hole made in the first and second rotating element, respectively, and each mounting hole is configured to receive an annular mounting element passing through a channel made in the first or second ring.

[0014] According to some embodiments, each of the first and second hinges comprises a socket, and the first and second rotating elements comprise first and second spherical elements, respectively, the first and second spherical elements being located in the sockets of the first and second hinges, respectively. According to some embodiments, the sockets of the first and second hinges are fitted into the first and second seating elements, respectively, and each of the landing elements has an inner recessed portion for receiving a socket of the first or second hinges and an outer annular contact portion to form a contact surface with the first or second rings.

[0015] According to some specific embodiments, the first coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling body extending radially from the first spherical element toward the outside of the first hinge socket and through an opening made in the first seating element, and the first connecting body has a threaded portion formed with the possibility of inserting it through a channel made in the first ring. The second connecting mechanism also comprises a second connecting body extending radially from the second spherical element towards the outer side of the second hinge socket and through an opening made in the second seating element, and the second connecting body has a threaded portion adapted to be inserted through the channel, made in the second ring. In these embodiments, each of the threaded portions of the first and second connecting bodies is adapted to receive a mating nut.

[0016] The present disclosure also includes embodiments of the invention relating to a connecting rod for an external fixing device comprising a telescopic body having a body of the body, in which the first part of the body of the body contains a first axial channel passing through it, and the second part of the body of the body contains a passing through it the second axial channel. The first and second axial channels have first and second longitudinal axes, respectively, and the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel and coplanar. The connecting rod further comprises a first and a second sleeve, slidably located inside the first and second axial channels, respectively, and the first sleeve contains an adjustment mechanism rotatably located on an end portion of the first sleeve. The connecting rod further comprises an elongated member, threadedly connected to the adjusting mechanism so that rotation of the adjusting mechanism causes the elongated member to move along the first axis of the first axial channel. The body of the body contains the first and second holes made in the walls of the first and second parts of the body of the body, respectively, and the first and second holes are aligned along the first and second axes, respectively. The first fastener passes through the first opening of the body of the housing and is placed in the fastening hole made in the first sleeve, and the second fastener passes through the second hole of the body of the body and is placed in the fastening hole made in the second sleeve, the first and second fasteners are connected in a disconnectable manner of the first and second bushings with the body of the housing, respectively.

[0017] The present invention also includes embodiments related to a locking connecting rod, which provides quick and smooth adjustment of the full length of the locking connecting rod. The locking connecting rod may include an inner sleeve located inside the telescopic rod to provide quick adjustment of the full length of the locking connecting rod. The locking connecting rod may further comprise an adjusting mechanism to ensure smooth adjustment of the full length of the locking connecting rod by increasing or decreasing the length of the threaded elongated element located inside the channel in the inner sleeve. The adjusting mechanism comprises a first rotating element, a second rotating element and a spring. The distal movement of the first rotating element relative to the second rotating element enables the adjustment mechanism to be moved from the first locked position to the second unlocked position, which allows the first rotating element and the second rotating element to rotate around the inner sleeve and threaded elongated element during smooth adjustment and, thus increasing or decreasing the total length of the retaining joint on the web.

[0018] The present disclosure also includes embodiments of a method for maintaining the orientation of the first and second retainer rings to fix bone segments. According to one exemplary embodiment, the described method includes providing a connecting rod, comprising: a telescopic body having an axial channel passing through it; an adjustment sleeve, slidably placed inside the axial channel, an adjustment sleeve and a telescopic body;

and an elongated element provided with an external thread, connected by means of a thread to an adjusting sleeve. The first hinge is connected to the end part of the housing, and the first rotating element is placed in the first hinge. In addition, the first rotating element comprises a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the first rotating element to the first retainer ring in a disjoint manner and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the first rotating element. The second hinge is connected to the end part of the housing, and the second rotating element is placed in the second hinge. In addition, the second rotating element comprises a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the second rotating element with the second locking ring in a disjoint manner and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the second rotating element. The described embodiment further includes adjusting the longitudinal position of the adjusting sleeve relative to the telescopic body and connecting the adjusting sleeve to the telescopic body in a disconnectable manner using the sleeve fastener. The described embodiment further includes the use of a first coupling mechanism for connecting the first rotating member in a disengaged manner to the first retainer ring and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the first rotating member, and using a second coupling mechanism for connecting the second rotating assembly in a disengaged manner to the second retaining ring and significantly restricting rotational movement second rotating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, the following is a detailed description of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an external locking connecting rod according to the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the outer retaining connecting rod shown in FIG. one;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer fixing connecting rod shown in FIG. one;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the outer retaining connecting rod shown in FIG. four;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of an external fixation connecting rod according to the present disclosure of the invention attached to an external fixation device;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an external fixation connecting rod according to the present disclosure of the invention attached to an external fixation device;

[0028] In FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustment mechanism of the outer locking connecting rod shown in FIG. 9;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the adjusting mechanism of the outer fixing connecting rod shown in FIG. 10, in a first locked position;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the adjusting mechanism of the outer fixing connecting rod shown in FIG. 10, in the second unlocked position; and

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the smooth adjustment scale of the outer fixing connecting rod shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Although the manufacture and use of various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific implementations described in this application are provided only to illustrate specific methods for the manufacture and use of the disclosure of the present invention and do not limit its scope.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, certain terms are defined below. The terms defined in this application have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the fields relevant to the present disclosure. Terms such as “one,” “some,” and “this” do not only refer to an exceptional object, but include a general class, a specific example of which can be used to illustrate. Such terminology in this application is used to describe specific embodiments of the present disclosure of the invention, but their use does not limit the present invention, the scope of protection of which is defined in the paragraphs of the attached claims.

[0035] The present disclosure includes embodiments related to an external locking connecting rod with a housing that provides quick and smooth length adjustment and has articulated connections for parallel or non-parallel rings or other external supports. The external fixing connecting rod comprises a telescopic body having an axial channel passing through it. The first hinge is connected to the end part of the body of the housing, and the first rotating element is placed in the first hinge. The first rotating element is rotatable relative to the first hinge around the first axis and comprises a first connecting mechanism. The first connecting mechanism connects the first rotatable element with the first retainer ring in an uncouplingable manner.

[0036] A slide sleeve is located inside the axial channel of the telescopic body, and a sleeve fastener is used to attach the sleeve to the telescopic body. The adjusting sleeve provides a coarse longitudinal adjustment of the length relative to the telescopic housing. In some embodiments, the adjusting sleeve comprises an adjusting mechanism having a rotatable member. The rotating element has a channel passing through it and provided with an internal thread, providing a threaded connection with a threaded elongated element. The elongated element comprises a threaded rod, the external threads of the threaded rod and the internal thread of the threaded channel being mated so that rotation of the rotating member causes the threaded elongated element to move along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod. The second hinge is connected to the end portion of the threaded rod, and the second rotating element is placed in the second hinge. The second rotating element comprises a second connecting mechanism configured to connect in a disjoint manner a second rotating element with a second retainer ring. In addition, the first and second connecting mechanisms are configured to significantly limit the rotational movement of the first and second rotating elements, respectively.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an external locking connecting rod according to the present invention. The external locking connecting rod 10 comprises a first hinge 12 in which the first rotatable element 14 is placed. The first rotatable element 14 includes a fastener 16 inserted in a fastening hole (not shown) made in the first rotatable element 14 for attaching the first hinge 12 to the outer ring of the retainer or other locking device (not shown).

[0038] The telescopic housing 18 extends from the first hinge 12 and has an axial channel (not shown) extending longitudinally from the first hinge 12. The first hinge 12 allows angular and rotational alignment of the telescopic housing 18. The telescopic housing 18 has an adjustment a hole 20 of the telescopic body made in the wall of the telescopic body. The adjusting sleeve 22 is located in the axial channel (not shown) of the telescopic housing 18. The adjusting sleeve 22 is movably movable within the axial channel (not shown) to enable quick adjustment of the entire length of the connecting rod 10. The adjusting sleeve 22 includes a fixing element 24 of the sleeve passing through the adjusting hole 20 of the telescopic housing for attaching the adjusting sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18.

[0039] The adjusting mechanism 26 is located at one end of the adjusting sleeve 22 and threadedly connected to the threaded elongated member 28. The adjusting mechanism 26 longitudinally adjusts the threaded elongated member 28 to smoothly adjust the entire continuous length of the connecting rod 10. The threaded elongated element 28 comprises a second swivel joint 30, which comprises a second swivel body 32 adapted to fit in shape with the second rotary element 34. The second rotary element 34 comprises a second fastener 36, which is located in the hole of the fastener (not shown ), made in the second rotary element 34, for attaching the second swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the retainer or to another outer support (not shown).

[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The outer fixing connecting rod 10 comprises a first hinge 12 in which the first rotatable member 14 is placed. The first rotatable member 14 extends through the hinge hole 38, which has dimensions and proportions suitable for matching in shape with the first rotatable member 14. Fastener 16 passes through a groove (not shown) in the first swivel 12 and into the mounting hole 40 made in the first rotary element 14, for fixing the first swivel 12 to the outer ring ora or other external support (not shown). The first hinge 12 provides the possibility of angular and rotational alignment of the outer locking connecting rod 10 with respect to the first outer ring of the retainer or other external support.

[0041] The telescopic housing 18 extends from the first hinge 12 and has an axial channel (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction from the first hinge 12 to the hole 42 of the axial channel. The telescopic housing 18 has an adjustment hole 20. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidably located inside the axial channel (not shown) of the telescopic housing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidable inside the axial channel (not shown) to allow continuous adjustment of the length of the outer fixing connecting rod 10 fast way. The adjusting sleeve 22 includes a fastener 24, which is inserted through the Central hole 44 in the washer 46 of the fastening element and through the adjusting hole 20 of the telescopic housing in the mounting hole 48 made in the adjusting sleeve 22.

[0042] The adjusting mechanism 26 is rotatably connected to the end portion of the adjusting sleeve 22 and is threadedly connected to the threaded elongated element 28. The adjusting mechanism is rotatable without movement relative to the end part of the adjusting sleeve 22. The adjusting mechanism 26 adjusts the threaded elongated element 28 in the longitudinal direction for regulating the total continuous length of the outer fixing connecting rod 10 in a smooth manner.

[0043] The threaded elongated element 28 comprises a second swivel joint 30. The second swivel joint 30 comprises a second swivel housing 32 adapted to shape with a second rotary element 34. The second rotary element 34 extends through a second swivel hole 50, which has size and proportions suitable for matching in shape with the second rotary element 34. The second fastening element 36 passes through a groove (not shown) in the second swivel joint 30 and into the second fastener e hole 52, made in the second rotary element 34, for attaching the second swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the latch or other locking device (not shown). The second swivel joint 30 allows angular and rotational alignment of the outer retaining connecting rod 10 with respect to the second outer retainer ring (not shown) or other external support.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-2. The outer locking connecting rod 10 comprises a first hinge 12 in which the first rotatable element 14 is placed. The first rotatable element 14 passes through the hinge hole 38, having a size and proportion suitable for matching in shape with the first rotatable element 14. The fastener 16 passes through a groove 54 in the first swivel 12 and a hole 40 of the rotating member into a mounting hole 56 made in the first rotating member 14 for attaching the first swivel 12 to the outer mu ring retainer or other external support (not shown). The first swivel joint 12 allows angular and rotational alignment of the outer retaining connecting rod 10 with respect to the first outer retainer ring (not shown) or other outer support.

[0045] The telescopic housing 18 extends from the first hinge 12 and has an axial channel 58 extending in the longitudinal direction from the first hinge 12 to the hole 42 of the axial channel. The telescopic housing 18 has an adjustment hole 20. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidably located inside the axial channel 58 of the telescopic housing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slideable inside the axial channel 58 to enable continuous adjustment of the length of the outer fixing connecting rod 10 in a quick manner. The adjusting sleeve 22 comprises a fastener 24, which is inserted through the hole 44 of the washer fastener of the sleeve, centrally formed in the washer 46 of the fastener of the sleeve, and through the adjustment hole of the telescopic housing (not shown) in the fastening hole 48 of the sleeve. According to another embodiment, the fastener 24 may comprise a separate sleeve washer 46 in the form of a single element.

[0046] The adjusting mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at the end of the adjusting sleeve 22 and is threadedly connected to a threaded elongated member 28. According to some embodiments, the adjusting mechanism 26 may comprise a rotatable member having a channel threaded therethrough. The threaded elongated element 28 extends through the threaded channel 60 of the rotary element of the adjusting mechanism, wherein the external thread of the elongated element and the internal thread of the threaded channel are mated so that the rotation of the rotary element of the adjusting mechanism 26 causes the threaded elongated element 28 to move along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod. The adjusting mechanism 26 adjusts in a longitudinal direction the threaded elongated element 28 for regulating the total continuous length of the outer fixing connecting rod 10 in a smooth manner. The threaded elongated element 28 comprises a second pivot joint 30.

[0047] The second swivel 30 includes a second swivel housing 32 configured to fit in shape with the second rotary member 34. The second rotary member 34 extends through the second swivel hole 50, which has a size and proportions that match the shape of the second rotary member element 34. The second fastening element 36 is inserted through the groove 62 into the second hinge joint 30 and passes through the hole 52 of the second rotating element into the second threaded mounting channel 64 for attaching a second swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the retainer or other external support (not shown). The second swivel joint 30 allows angular and rotational alignment of the outer retaining connecting rod 10 with respect to the second outer retainer ring (not shown) or other external support.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure. The swivel joint 30 comprises a housing 32 adapted to fit in shape with the rotary member 34. The swivel member 34 extends through the swivel hole 50, which has a size and proportion suitable for matching in shape with the rotary member 34. A fastener (not shown) inserted through the groove 62 in the swivel joint 30 and passes through the hole 52 of the rotating element into a threaded mounting channel (not shown) for attaching the swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the latch or another external support (not shown). The swivel joint 30 may have a texture 76 to provide increased adhesion or adhesion to the outer ring of the retainer or other external supports (not shown).

[0049] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of an external retaining connecting rod according to the present disclosure. The swivel joint 30 comprises a housing 32 adapted to conform in shape to the rotating member 34. The swiveling member 34 extends through the swivel hole 50, which has a size and proportion suitable for matching in shape to the rotating member 34. The fastener 36 is inserted through the groove 62 in the swivel joint 30 and passes through the hole 52 of the rotating element into a threaded fastening channel (not shown) for attaching the swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the retainer or other external support ( not shown). The swivel joint 30 may have a texture 76 to provide increased adhesion or adhesion to the outer ring of the retainer or other external supports (not shown).

[0050] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure. The outer locking connecting rod 10 comprises a first hinge 12 in which the first rotatable element 14 is placed. The first rotatable element 14 contains a fastener 16 that is inserted through a groove (not shown) in the first hinge 12 to attach the first hinge 12 to the outer the retainer ring or other external support (not shown). The first hinge 12 can rotate around the X1 axis of the first rotating member 14 and around the Y1 axis of the fastener 16. This movement allows the first swivel 12 to be fastened by the fastener 16 at different angles with respect to the outer ring of the retainer or other locking support (not shown).

[0051] The telescopic housing 18 extends from the first hinge 12 and has an axial channel (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction from the first hinge 12. The telescopic housing 18 has an adjustment hole 20. The adjusting sleeve 22 is slidably located inside the axial channel ( not shown) of the telescopic housing 18. The adjusting sleeve 22 is slidable inside the axial channel (not shown) to enable continuous adjustment of the external length “A” its connecting rod 10 fast way. The movement of the adjusting sleeve 22 in the axial channel (not shown) of the telescopic housing 18 provides the ability to change the distance "B" and, thus, continuously change the length "A" of the external locking connecting rod 10.

[0052] The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a fastener (not shown) passing through the adjustment hole 20 of the telescopic housing for attaching the adjustment sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18. The adjustment hole 20 of the telescopic housing also serves as a window enabling positioning and reading of the position of the adjustment sleeve 22 and / or a threaded elongated element 28 to facilitate the adjustment of the continuous length “A” of the outer locking connecting rod 10 in a quick manner.

[0053] The adjusting mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at the end of the adjusting sleeve 22 and is threadedly connected to the threaded elongated element 28. The adjusting mechanism 26 can rotate in the "Z" direction to interact with thread threads of the elongated element 28 and, thus, regulation of the longitudinal distance "C" and direct regulation of the continuous length "A" of the connecting rod 10 in a smooth way. The threaded elongated element 28 comprises a second swivel joint 30, which has a housing 32 adapted to fit in shape with the second rotary element 34. The second rotary element 34 comprises a second fastener 36, which is inserted through a groove (not shown) in the second hinge body connection 32, for attaching a second swivel joint 30 to the outer ring of the retainer or other external support (not shown).

[0054] The second hinge joint 30 can rotate around the X2 axis of the second rotating member 34 and around the Y2 axis of the second fastener 36. This movement allows the second hinge 32 to be fastened by the fastener 36 at different angles with respect to the outer ring of the retainer or other locking support ( not shown). The first swivel 12 does not have to be at the same angle, have the same position, or face the second swivel 30. In addition, the first swivel 12, the second swivel 30, or both swivels can have a texture 76 to provide increased adhesion or adhesion to the outer ring of the retainer or other external supports (not shown).

[0055] The scale divisions 74 may be calibrated as discrete increments (eg, one millimeter increments) and may indicate the distance between the first swivel 12 and the second swivel 30 and refer to the continuous length "A" of the connecting rod 10.

[0056] The scale divisions 74 indicate the lengths of the connecting rod 10 in the form of a relative value, instead of a distance from a predetermined specific length. Scale divisions need not be based on a traditional measurement system or indicate the effective length of the entire spacer. For example, scale divisions may indicate a percentage of the full length of the bar or daily increments for cases in which movement occurs over an extended period of time. The reference to the neutral position can be used to set the main elements in a given "neutral" position.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of an external fixation connecting rod according to the present disclosure of the invention attached to an external fixation device. A connecting rod 10 is connected between the first outer retainer ring 80 and the second outer retainer ring 82. In FIG. 7, for purposes of clarity, a single connecting rod 10 is shown located between the first outer retainer ring 80 and the second outer retainer ring 82. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple connecting rods 10 can be secured in various positions around the outer rings of the retainer, that the angle of the connecting rod 10 relative to the first outer retainer ring 80 and the second outer retainer ring 82 can be different, and the length of the connecting rod 10 can be different and can be regulated.

[0058] The first swivel 12 is attached to the outer ring 80 of the retainer or other external support. The connecting rod 10 comprises a first hinge 12 in which a first rotating member 14 is placed. The first rotating member 14 comprises a fastener 16 that extends through an opening (not shown) made in the first outer retainer ring 80 and through a groove (not shown) in the first swivel 12 for attaching the first swivel 12 to the outer ring 80 of the retainer or other external support. The first rotatable element 14 can rotate to locate the fastener 16 in different positions and, in turn, at different locations in a groove (not shown) of the first swivel 12. This movement allows the first swivel 12 to be attached at different angles relative to the outer ring 80 retainer or other external support.

[0059] The telescopic housing 18 extends from the first hinge 12 and has an axial channel (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction from the first hinge 12. The telescopic housing 18 comprises an adjustment hole 20. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidably located inside the axial channel ( not shown) of the telescopic housing 18. The adjusting sleeve 22 is slidable inside the channel (not shown) to allow the continuous length "A" of the connecting rod to be adjusted nya 10 in a quick way.

[0060] The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a fastener 24 passing through the adjustment hole of the telescopic housing 20 for attaching the adjustment sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18. The adjustment hole of the telescopic housing 20 also serves as a window enabling positioning and reading of the position of the adjustment sleeve 22 and / or threaded elongated element 28 to facilitate regulation of the continuous length of the connecting rod 10. Graduation marks 74 indicate the length of the connecting wall zhnya 10 in the form of a relative value, instead of the distance from a predetermined particular length. Scale divisions need not be based on a traditional measurement system or indicate the effective length of the entire spacer. For example, scale divisions may indicate a percentage of the full length of the bar or daily increments for cases in which movement occurs over an extended period of time. The reference to the neutral position can be used to set the main elements in a given "neutral" position.

[0061] The adjusting mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at the end of the adjusting sleeve 22 and is threadedly connected to the threaded elongated member 28. The adjusting mechanism 26 can rotate to engage the threads of the threaded elongated member 28 and thus can adjust the longitudinal longitudinal the length of the connecting rod 10 in a smooth manner. The threaded elongated element 28 comprises a second swivel joint 30, which comprises a second swivel body 32 adapted to fit in shape with the second rotary element 34. The second rotary element 34 comprises a second fastener 36, which is inserted through an opening (not shown), made in the second outer ring 82 of the retainer, and passes into a groove (not shown) in the housing of the second swivel 32 for attaching the second swivel 30 to the outer ring 82 of the retainer il the other outer bearing.

[0062] The second swivel 30 can rotate to position the second fastener 36 in different positions and, in turn, at different locations in the groove of the second swivel 30. This movement allows the second swivel 30 to be attached at different angles relative to the outer ring of the latch 82 or other external support. The first swivel 12 does not have to be at the same angle, in the same position, or face the second swivel 30. In addition, the first swivel 12, the second swivel 30, or both can have a texture 76 to provide a larger adhesion or adhesion to the outer ring of the retainer 80 and 82 or other external bearings.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an external fixing device using an external locking connecting rod according to the present disclosure. The external locking device comprises a first outer ring of the latch 80 and a second outer ring of the latch 82 connected by one or more external locking connecting rods 10. According to this embodiment, three external locking connecting rods 10a, 10b and 10c are used. Each of the connecting rods (10a, 10b and 10c) contains a first pivot joint in which the first rotating element is placed. The first rotating member comprises a fastener inserted into a groove (not shown) in the first articulation for attaching the latter to the retainer outer ring 80. According to other embodiments, the outer fixing connecting rod 10 may be any connecting rods described in the present disclosure or made in accordance with the principles described in this application.

[0064] FIG. 9-13 show another embodiment of an external locking connecting rod 100. In FIG. 9 shows an external locking connecting rod 100 comprising a first hinge 102, which includes a housing 104 configured to receive a first fastener 106 therein. The first fastener 106 can be used to attach the first hinge 102 to the first outer ring of the latch or another locking device (not shown). The first fastener 106 can pivotally rotate inside a channel (not shown) made in the housing 104 of the first swivel.

[0065] The outer telescopic housing 118 extends from the first hinge 102 and includes an axial channel 114 formed inside it and extending in the longitudinal direction from the first hinge 102. The first hinge 102 allows angular and rotational alignment of the outer telescopic housing 118. The outer telescopic the housing 118 contains an adjustment hole 120 made in its wall. The inner adjusting sleeve 122 is arranged to fit inside the axial channel 114 of the outer telescopic housing 118. The inner adjusting sleeve 122 is slidable inside the axial channel 114 to allow for continuous adjustment of the continuous length of the outer fixing connecting rod 100. The internal adjusting sleeve 122 also has an axial channel 123 formed within it. The sleeve fastener 124 is configured to pass through the adjustment hole of the telescopic body 120 to attach the internal adjustment sleeve 122 to the outer telescopic body 118. According to one embodiment, the sleeve fastener 124 may include a side fixing bolt and a clamping washer (not shown).

[0066] The adjusting mechanism 126 is connected to one end of the adjusting sleeve 122. A threaded elongated element 128 is threadedly disposed within the adjusting mechanism 126. According to one embodiment, the threaded elongated element 128 is a threaded rod. The adjusting mechanism 126 is adapted to move the threaded elongated element 128 using a matched thread, and thus smoothly adjust the total continuous length of the outer locking connecting rod 100, as opposed to quickly adjusting the inner adjusting sleeve 122 relative to the outer telescopic housing 118.

[0067] The threaded elongated member 128 comprises a second swivel 110 located at a distal end, comprising a housing 112. The second swivel 110 includes a second fastener 115 that can be used to attach the second swivel 110 to the second outer ring of the retainer or other external support (not shown). The second fastener 115 can pivotally rotate within a channel 116 formed in the housing of the second swivel 112.

[0068] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjusting mechanism 126 of the outer retaining connecting rod 100 shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustment mechanism 126 of the outer retaining connecting rod 100 shown in FIG. 10, in the first, locked position. In FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjusting mechanism 126 of the outer locking connecting rod 100 shown in FIG. 10, in the second, unlocked position.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10-12, the outer locking connecting rod 100 comprises an outer telescoping body 118 extending from a first articulated joint (not shown) to an axial channel bore 150. The outer telescopic housing 118 comprises an adjustment hole 120. The inner adjustment sleeve 122 is slidably disposed within the axial hole 150 of the channel to allow continuous adjustment of the continuous length of the external locking connecting rod 100. The inner adjusting sleeve 122 comprises a fastener 124 which is inserted through a central hole 154 made in the fastening washer 152, through an adjusting hole 120 of the telescopic housing into a fastening hole 156 made in the proximal part of the internal adjusting sleeve 122. Opposite the fastening hole 156 of the sleeve, the distal end the adjusting sleeve 122 comprises a discretely positioning flange 131 and a tip 119 that includes peripheral mating teeth 125. According to one embodiment, the surrounding awn discretely positioning flange 131 has a generally circular shape with two flat sides disposed approximately 180 ° apart around the circumference. The diameter of the discretely positioning flange 131 may be larger than the diameter of the internal adjusting sleeve 122, while the diameter of the tip 119 may be smaller than the diameter of the discretely positioning flange 131. The distal end of the tip 119 may further comprise an internal recess 139 adapted to threaded elongated element 128 with the passage through it.

[0070] The adjustment mechanism 126 is connected to the distal end of the internal adjustment sleeve 122. The adjustment mechanism 126 comprises a first rotating element 127, a second rotating element 134, and according to this embodiment, a spring 132. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the spring 132 can be replaced by any elastic mechanism, which allows the user to pull the first rotating element 127 from the internal adjusting sleeve 122 (according to this embodiment), and after necessary rotation and elongation of the arm of the main locking connecting rod 100, the first rotating element 127 is returned to its original position. The elastic mechanism may be, for example, a spring, a leaf spring, a clamp, a coil spring, a wave spring, a spring with linear stiffness, a spring with increasing stiffness, a spring with double stiffness, a flat spring, a conical spring or a compression spring. The spring may be of metal, plastic, polymer, iron or non-ferrous metal. According to one embodiment, the first rotating member 127 may be a first locking annular protrusion. The first rotating member 127 may comprise a first outer diameter at the distal end and a second outer diameter at the proximal end, the first outer diameter being larger than the second outer diameter. The first rotating member 127 may further comprise a recessed hexagonal portion 158 at the distal end configured to accommodate a second rotating member 134 and a spring 132. Although FIG. a recess having a hexagonal shape is shown, the present invention encompasses any of a variety of suitable shapes, including a rectilinear, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, X-shaped, etc., or the recess can be polygonal and allow the use of various angles that provide the ability to linearly increase or decrease the length of the entire strut. The polygonal shape may include shapes containing 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 , 24, 25 or more sides to provide very coarse, moderate or fine adjustment of the spacer. In one embodiment, the second rotating member 134 may be a hexagonal drive sleeve. The first rotating element 127 further comprises an internal recess extending from the nearest end of the first rotating element 127, the closest portion of the internal recess being generally circular in shape with two flat sides 160 approximately 180 ° apart from each other around the circumference of the nearest part, and the possibility of interfacing with a discretely positioning flange 131.

[0071] If the adjusting mechanism 126 is in the first, locked position, the flat sides 160 of the proximal end of the inner recess of the first rotating member 127 are mated to the flat sides of the discretely positioning flange 131, thereby preventing the rotation of the first rotating member 127 relative to the inner adjusting sleeve 122. Despite the fact that the described discretely positioning flange and the nearest part of the internal recess as a whole have a circular shape with two flat sides located at iblizitelno 180 ° apart, it should be understood that discrete positioning flange and the closest part of the inner notch of the first rotating element may have any shape selected to mate with each other. For example, both elements can be made in any polygonal shape, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon or the like. In addition, both elements can have a generally round shape with one flat side in the peripheral part. These shapes can be used to achieve smooth angular movement of the rotating mechanism 126 with predetermined angular increments, such as 15 °, 20 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 90 °, and the like. When making this adjustment, the spacer length can be smoothly and precisely adjusted.

[0072] The second rotating member 134 may comprise a hexagonal head 136 located at a distal end configured to accommodate a first rotating member 127 and mate with said portion in the recessed hexagonal portion 158. The hexagonal head 136 may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the proximal portion 137 of the second rotating member 134. According to other embodiments, the hexagonal head 136 and the second rotating member 134 may have other polygonal shapes that are mated to one another and prevent rotation of the second rotating member 134 relative to heads 136. The second rotating element 134 may further comprise a side wall of the inner recess 135, in the proximal portion 137 containing mating teeth 130 made with the interface with the mating teeth 125 of the adjusting sleeve 122. The mating teeth 125, 130 can be configured to rotate the second rotating element 134 around the internal adjusting sleeve 122, but without the possibility of axial movement of the second rotating element 134 relative to the internal adjusting sleeve 122. The second rotating element 134 may further comprise a threaded hole 138 extending from the distal end of the second rotating member 134 to the distal end of the inner recess and 135, said threaded hole 138 being configured to receive a threaded elongated element 128 therein and interact with said elongated element 128.

[0073] The spring 132 may be a compression spring and may be wound around the proximal portion 137 of the second rotating member 134. According to other embodiments, any mechanical means (eg, a wave spring or other device) may be used to bias the nearest side of the hexagonal head 136 to the passing in the inner direction of the flange 151. When the spring 132 is in equilibrium and wound around the closest portion 137 of the second rotating member 134, the spring 132 may have a length extending from the nearest the orons of the hexagonal head 136 to the proximal end of the second rotating member 134, and can be supported by an inwardly extending flange 151 inside the first rotating member 127. The first rotating member 127 is spring-loaded by spring 132 and thus holds the adjusting mechanism 126 in its first locked position until the first rotating member 127 is forcibly moved away from the inner adjusting sleeve 122.

[0074] The outer locking connecting rod 100 can be assembled so that the spring 132 is first placed inside the first rotating member 127 from the distal end side through the recessed hexagonal portion 158, until the closest end of the elongated compression spring 132 rests on the one extending in the inner the direction of the flange 151 near the nearest end of the first rotating element 127.

[0075] In particular, the threaded elongated element 128 can be screwed into the inner recess 135 and the threaded hole 138 of the second rotating element 134 at its proximal end, until the stepped portion 129 located at the proximal end of the threaded elongated element 128 approaches the distal the end of the inner recess 135. The diameter of the stepped portion 129 of the threaded elongated member 128 is larger than the diameter of the threaded hole 138 of the second rotating member 134, so that the stepped portion 129 cannot The screw is fully screwed through the threaded hole 138. When the stepped portion 129 of the threaded elongated member approaches the distal end of the inner recess 135, the outer locking connecting rod 100 will be in its fully expanded state. From its fully expanded state, the outer locking connecting rod 100 can be shortened by counterclockwise rotation of the threaded elongated element 128 if the second hinge (not shown) is far from the first hinge (also not shown).

[0076] Then, the second rotating member 134 and the threaded elongated member 128 can be placed inside the first rotating member 127 and the spring 132 through the recessed hexagonal portion 158 of the first rotating member 127 until the nearest end of the hex head 136 of the second rotating member 134 will rest on the far end of the spring 132 in its elongated position. Then, the first rotating element 127, the spring 132, the second rotating element 134 and the threaded elongated element 128 can be simultaneously placed on the tip 119 of the adjusting sleeve 122 so that the closest part of the threaded elongated element 128 is placed in the axial channel 123 of the inner adjusting sleeve 122, and mating teeth 125, 130 are engaged. The orientations of the mating teeth 125, 130 during assembly enable the first rotating member 127, the spring 132, the second rotating member 134 and the threaded elongated member 128 to be positioned on the internal adjusting sleeve 122, but without leaving the adjusting sleeve 122. As indicated above, the mating teeth 125, 130 also allow rotation of the second rotating member 134 around the inner adjusting sleeve 122.

[0077] In use, the length of the outer retainer connecting rod 100 can be adjusted in a two-step process: first by quickly adjusting before connecting the outer retainer connecting rod 100 to the outer retaining ring (not shown), and then by continuously adjusting after connecting the outer retainer connecting rod 100 s outer ring retainer. To perform quick adjustments, the sleeve fastener 124 is loosened to allow sliding of the internal adjusting sleeve 122 inside the outer telescopic housing 118. After approximate determination by quick adjustment of the required length of the external locking connecting rod 100, the fastener of the sleeve 124 is clamped and thus prevents further movement internal adjusting sleeve 122 inside the outer telescopic housing 118. After quick adjustment an external retainer connecting rod 100 connects the first outer retainer ring (not shown) to the first swivel 102 and connect the second retainer outer ring (not shown) to the second swivel 110. Then, the length of the outer retainer connecting rod 100 is adjusted by smooth adjustment using adjusting mechanism 126.

[0078] The smooth adjustment is performed by the adjustment mechanism 126 by moving the adjustment mechanism 126 from the first, locked position, as shown in FIG. 11 to the second unlocked position as shown in FIG. 12. The first rotating member 127 is spring-loaded with a spring 132 to hold the adjusting mechanism 126 in a first, locked position, as shown in FIG. 11. However, if the first rotating member 127 is forcibly moved distally along the longitudinal axis to the second swivel 110 and then rotated clockwise (to extend the outer locking connecting rod 100) or counterclockwise (to shorten the outer locking connecting rod 100) , the adjusting mechanism 126 moves to the second, unlocked position. If the first rotary member 127 is distally moved, the spring 132 is compressed between the inwardly extending flange 151 of the first rotary member 127 and the proximal end of the hexagonal head 136 of the second rotary member 134. When the spring 132 is compressed, the flat sides 160 of the nearest end of the inner recess of the first rotary member 127 move distally relative to the flat sides of the discretely positioning flange 131 and disengage with the flat sides of the discrete positioning the flange 131. If the first rotary element 127 is slightly rotated relative to the inner adjusting sleeve 122, the flat sides 160 of the nearest end of the inner recess of the first rotary element 127 rest on the curved sides of the discretely positioning flange 131 and thus move the first rotary element 127 into the second unlocked position.

[0079] When the first rotating member 127 is in the second unlocked position, the first rotating member 127, the spring 132, and the second rotating member 134 are rotatable 180 ° clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip 119 of the inner adjusting sleeve 122 and provided threaded elongated shaft 128. The threaded elongated shaft 128 cannot rotate because it is attached to the second outer ring of the retainer, and the inner adjusting sleeve 122 cannot rotate because it and placed inside the outer telescopic housing 118, which is attached to the first outer ring of the latch. Thus, clockwise rotation of the first rotating member 127, the spring 132, and the second rotating member 134 around the tip 119 of the inner adjusting sleeve 122 and the threaded elongated rod 128 causes the threaded elongated rod 128 to move from the axial channel 123 of the inner adjusting sleeve 122, and thus thus, lengthening the outer fixing connecting rod 100. Counterclockwise rotation of the first rotating member 127, the spring 132 and the second rotating member 134 around ika 119 inside the control sleeve 122 and the threaded elongate rod 128 causes movement of the threaded elongate rod 128 in the axial passage 123 inside the control sleeve 122 and, thus, reducing the outer locking of the connecting rod 100.

[0080] After the first rotary member 127 is rotated, for example, 180 ° clockwise or counterclockwise, the flat sides 160 of the nearest end of the inner recess of the first rotary element 127 are again aligned with the flat sides of the discretely positioning flange 131, and the spring 132 moves in the proximal direction the first rotating element 127 back to the first locked position, for example, with an audible “click”. Although the smooth adjustment mechanism 126 shown in FIG. 9-12, performs a discrete movement and returns to the first, locked position with each half-turn or 180 ° rotation, it should be understood that various forms of the nearest end of the internal recess of the first rotating element 127 and the discretely positioning flange 131 can be used to provide blocking with different at intervals, including 15 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 90 °, 120 °, etc. The shape of the discretely positioning flange can be selected to be able to rotate 180 ° clockwise or counterclockwise using this shape, i.e., for example, linear, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, X-shaped, etc. ., or polygonal, and may include various angles that provide a linear increase or decrease in the total length of the spacer. The polygonal shape may include shapes with 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or more sides to provide very coarse, moderate or fine adjustment of the length of the spacer. In some embodiments, both ends of the spacer may include an adjustment mechanism 126 (not shown), or the adjustment mechanism 126 may be located inside the spacer (also not shown).

[0081] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the adjustment scale of the outer locking connecting rod 100 shown in FIG. 9-12. The adjustment scale contains a sequence of indicators 141, a mark 140 of coarse adjustment, a mark 142 of the midpoint of the adjustment range and a mark 144 of smooth adjustment. The sequence of indicators 141 may include a sequence of numbers and / or indicating divisions, which can be printed on the surface of the internal adjusting sleeve 122 with the possibility of their observation through the adjustment hole 120 of the telescopic housing. The sequence of indicators may be configured to indicate the relative length of the external locking connecting rod 100 during quick and smooth adjustments. The coarse adjustment mark 140 may be located on the outer telescopic housing 118 and may be proximal with respect to the first side of the sequence of indicators 141. The coarse adjustment mark 140 indicates the elongation of the external first fixing connecting rod 100 of the first stage during coarse adjustment. The smooth adjustment mark 144 may be located at the proximal end of the stepped portion 129 of the threaded elongated member 128 located inside the axial channel 123 of the internal adjusting sleeve 122, and may be proximal to the second side of the sequence of indicators 141. The smooth adjustment mark 144 indicates the amount of smooth elongation threaded elongated shaft 128, which is still available. The midpoint mark 142 of the adjustment range may be located on the inner adjusting sleeve 122 and may indicate a predetermined position of half full extension so that the outer locking connecting rod 100 may initially have the same extension or reduction range.

[0082] Indicators 141 indicate the length of the outer retaining connecting rod 100 as a relative value, instead of a distance from a predetermined specific length. Indicators 141 need not be based on a traditional system of measures or indicate the effective length of the entire outer fixing connecting rod 100. For example, indicators 141 may indicate a percentage of the total length of the rod or a daily increase for cases in which movement is carried out over an extended period of time. The reference to the neutral position may be suitable for setting the main elements in a given "neutral" position.

[0083] Preferably, the plurality of external locking connecting rods 100 shown in FIG. 9-13 are connected between the first and second outer rings of the latch, each adjusting mechanism 126 remains in its first, locked position until it is forcibly moved and moved to its second, unlocked position. This configuration prevents accidental elongation or shortening of the outer retainer connecting rods 100 upon accidental contact, or when the outer retainer rings and the outer retainer rods 100 twist during normal use after installation.

[0084] In addition, the doctor may prescribe to the patient the adjustment of each external locking connecting rod 100, which the patient can adjust independently. For example, on a certain day, according to the prescription, the first external locking connecting rod 100 should be extended by two clicks, the second and third external locking connecting rod 100 should be extended by one click, the fourth external locking connecting rod 100 should be left in the same position, and the fifth and the sixth outer fixing connecting rods 100 should be reduced by one click. The patient can then quickly and effortlessly fine-tune each outer locking connecting rod 100 based on such a prescription while at home, without having to visit a doctor for each adjustment.

[0085] The present disclosure also provides embodiments for maintaining the orientation of the first and second retainer rings to immobilize bone segments. One exemplary embodiment includes providing a connecting rod comprising a telescopic body having an axial channel passing through it; an adjustment sleeve, slidably located inside the axial channel, an adjustment sleeve and a telescopic housing; and an elongated element provided with an external thread, connected by means of a thread to an adjusting sleeve. The first hinge is connected to the end part of the housing, and the first rotating element is placed in the first hinge. In addition, the first rotating element comprises a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the first rotating element to the first retainer ring in a disjoint manner and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the first rotating element. The second hinge is connected to the end part of the housing, and the second rotating element is placed in the second hinge. In addition, the second rotating element comprises a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the second rotating element with the second locking ring in a disjoint manner and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the second rotating element. The described embodiment further includes adjusting the longitudinal position of the adjusting sleeve relative to the telescopic body and connecting the adjusting sleeve to the telescopic body in a disconnectable manner using the sleeve fastener. The described embodiment further includes the use of a first coupling mechanism for connecting the first rotating member in a disengaged manner to the first retainer ring and significantly restricting the rotational movement of the first rotating member and using a second coupling mechanism for connecting the second rotating assembly in a disengaged manner to the second locking ring and significantly restricting the second rotational movement rotating element.

[0086] The methods of the present disclosure may be implemented using an object, such as a human or other vertebrate. For fixation, one or more bones (object) can be selected. Any suitable bone (s), such as a long bone (s), and / or at least a pair of bones connected by an anatomical joint can be selected. Examples of bones include leg bones (thigh, lower leg, and fibula), shoulder bones (humerus, radius and ulna), foot bones (calcaneus, talus, metatarsal and phalanges), wrist / arm bones (carpal joints, metacarpals and phalanges), etc. In exemplary embodiments, one or more bones may be selected, including at least one long bone.

[0087] An external fixation device may be located along and at least partially around the selected bone (s). The external locking device may comprise a plurality of rings fixed in position relative to each other by a plurality of connecting rods attached to the rings.

[0088] An external fixation device may be connected to a selected bone (s). The connection can be made at any suitable time, such as before the assembly of the external fixation device, during the assembly of the external fixation device and / or after it. For example, the external fixation device can be assembled and then connected to the bone, or the individual external fixation elements of the device, or the external fixation subassemblies of the device can be connected to the bone before the complete assembly of the external fixation device. The connection of the external fixation device to the bone may include the placement of connectors, such as wires, pins, screw and / or rods, inter alia, passing through the skin and through the selected bone and / or around it.

[0089] The external fixation device may be reconfigured despite being connected to one or more selected bones. Reconfiguration may include adjusting the length, angle, position and / or the connecting portion of one or more external locking components of the device, in particular, the connecting rod. In some embodiments, the readjustment may include lengthening and / or contraction of one or more (or all) of the connecting rods of the external locking device. In some embodiments, the reconfiguration may include replacing one or more connecting rods with another connecting rod (s). Another connecting rod may have various sizes, articulation, adaptability, shape and / or the like.

[0090] An external locking device may be secured to facilitate readjustment. The fastening of the external fixation device can stiffen the external fixation device and / or stabilize the external fixation device in such a way that reconfiguration will cause fewer undesirable changes in the design of the external fixation device, since the external fixation device is detached and changes during the migration. The fastening can be performed by means of a pair of connecting rods of an external fixing device. According to some embodiments, the spacer can be clamped onto the external fixing elements of the device before it is fully attached to the external fixing elements of the device. For example, the spacer may contain one or more interacting elements of the external fixing device, which are biased for counter-directional interaction of one or more of the corresponding elements of the external fixing device. In any case, each interacting element can be fixed in place on the element of the external fixing device by the user's control actions manually or using a tool. In addition, the relative spacing and angular arrangement of the interacting elements can be fixed by the user's control actions, the same as for attaching the interacting element to the frame element, by other user control actions.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the spacer may comprise one or more movable hinges, and the spacer may be engaged with external locking elements of the device by one or more hinges in a movable configuration. Then, the movable hinges can be configured for a locked (fixed) configuration. Alternatively, in addition, the strut may comprise a plurality of movable hinges, and one or more movable hinges may be locked before or during the placement of the strut in the frame, and one or more other movable hinges may be locked after placing the strut in the external fixing device.

[0092] The spacer can be removed after reconfiguring the chassis. Accordingly, the spacer can be installed with the frame (and the connecting rod) fixing the bone, and removed with the reconfigured frame, still fixing the bone. Thus, the spacer can be present in the external fixation device only part of the period of time during which the external fixation device fixes the bone.

[0093] Of course, any implementation option described in this application can be carried out in relation to any method, kit, reagent or device according to the present disclosure of the invention, and vice versa. In addition, devices according to the present disclosure can be used to achieve the methods according to the present disclosure.

[0094] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The main features of the present disclosure of the invention can be used in various embodiments without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or will be able to establish, by no more than routine experimentation, the multiple equivalents of the specific procedures described in this application. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and are protected by the appended claims.

[0095] All publications and patent applications referred to in the present description indicate the level of competence of specialists who own the present invention. All publications and patent applications mentioned in this application are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was, in particular, and selectively indicated for inclusion by reference.

[0096] The use of the word "a" or "an" in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the appended claims and / or description may mean "one", but is also compatible with the value "one or more", "at least one "and" one or more than one. " The term “or” in the paragraphs of the attached formula means “and / or”, unless it is expressly stated that it refers only to alternative expressions, or alternative expressions are mutually exclusive, although the description supports a definition that applies only to alternative expressions and the term "and / or". Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes an inherent error for a device, a method used to determine a given value, or an error that exists among objects of study.

[0097] Used in the present description and paragraphs of the attached claims, the words “comprising” (and any forms of this word, such as “contain” and “contains”), “having” (and any forms of this word, such as “have” and “ has ")," including "(and any forms of the word, such as" includes "and" include ") or" covering "(and any forms of this word, such as" covers "and" covers ") are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional non-mentioned elements or steps of the method.

[0098] The expression “or combinations of the foregoing,” as used herein, refers to all permutations and combinations of the preceding paragraphs. For example, the expression “A, B, C or combinations of the above” should be understood as containing at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC, and if order is important in a specific context, also: BA, CA , CB, CBA, ICA, ACB, BAC or CAB. Continuing this example, explicitly including combinations that contain repetitions of one or more points or terms such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC, AAAVSSSS, SVVAAA, CAB ABB, etc. One skilled in the art will understand that usually in any such combination there is no threshold for the number of points or terms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0099] All compositions and / or methods described and claimed in this application can be performed and implemented without undue experimentation in the light of the present disclosure of the invention. Although the devices and methods of the present invention are described by examples according to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be applied to the devices and / or methods and their steps or the sequence of steps of the method described in this application, without departing from the principle, ideas and scope of protection of the present invention. All such similar replacements and modifications obvious to specialists should be considered as being within the scope of the idea, principle and scope of protection of the present invention defined in the paragraphs of the attached claims.

Claims (52)

1. A connecting rod for an external locking device defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: a telescopic body, comprising a body of the body having an axial channel passing through it; the inner sleeve, with the possibility of sliding located inside the axial channel of the telescopic housing and connected in a disconnectable manner with the telescopic housing by means of a fastener, and containing: the body of the sleeve having an axial channel passing through it; discrete positioning flange connected to the distal end of the body of the sleeve; and a tip connected to the distal surface of a discretely positioning flange; an adjustment mechanism located around the tip of the inner sleeve and containing: the first rotating element having an axial channel passing through it, which contains: polygonal recess at the far end; and an inner recess at the proximal end configured to accommodate a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein; a second rotating element having a threaded axial channel extending through it, the second rotating element comprising: a polygonal head at a distal end configured to mate with a polygonal recess of the first rotating member; and a proximal portion comprising an internal recess configured to accommodate the tip of the inner sleeve therein; a biasing element located next to the proximal part of the second rotating element; and an elongated element provided with an external thread, by means of a thread connected inside the second rotating element of the adjusting mechanism; moreover, in the first locked position in the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element is placed discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve, which, thus, prevents the rotation of the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element; while in the second unlocked position, the first rotating element is moved in the far direction relative to the second rotating element, and the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element is disengaged from the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve, thereby allowing the adjustment mechanism to rotate around the inner sleeve and the elongated element; moreover, when the adjustment mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the latter is moved inside the axial channel made in the inner sleeve during smooth adjustment and, thus, increases or decreases the total length of the connecting rod; but when the adjustment mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element, the adjustment mechanism is biased by the biasing element to return to the first locked position when the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and receives the specified flange. 2. The connecting rod according to claim 1, in which, when the fastener is loosened, the inner sleeve can slide to move inside the axial channel of the telescopic body during quick adjustment and, thus, increase or decrease the total length of the connecting rod. 3. The connecting rod according to claim 1, in which the telescopic housing comprises a first hinge connected to the proximal end portion of the body of the housing, and a first rotating element located in the first hinge, the first rotating element comprising a first connecting mechanism configured to be connected in a releasable manner a first rotating member with a first retainer ring. 4. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the elongated element provided with an external thread comprises a second hinge connected to a distal end portion of the threaded rod and a second rotating element located in the second hinge, the second rotating element comprising a second connecting mechanism made with the possibility of connecting in a disengaged manner a second rotating element with a second retainer ring. 5. The connecting rod according to claim 1, in which the shape of the outer circumference of the discretely positioning flange is substantially similar to the shape of the inner side wall of the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element and, thus, the discretely positioning flange can be placed in the inner recess in the first locked position. 6. The connecting rod according to claim 1, in which the tip of the inner sleeve further comprises a plurality of mating teeth along the outer circumference of the tip. 7. The connecting rod according to claim 2, further comprising a sequence of indicators on the surface of the inner sleeve, configured to indicate the relative length of the connecting rod during quick and smooth adjustment. 8. The connecting rod according to claim 7, further comprising a quick adjustment mark located on the outer telescopic body, configured to indicate the full length of the connecting rod during quick adjustment using a sequence of indicators on the surface of the inner sleeve. 9. The connecting rod according to claim 8, further comprising a stepless adjustment mark located at the proximal end of the threaded elongated member, configured to indicate a stepless adjustment amount of the threaded elongated rod that is still available during stepless adjustment of the connecting rod using a series of indicators on the surface of the inner sleeve. 10. A method of adjusting the position of the first and second external locking devices, in accordance with which: a) provide a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and containing: a telescopic body, comprising a body of the body having an axial channel passing through it; the inner sleeve, with the possibility of sliding located inside the axial channel of the telescopic body, and the inner sleeve and the telescopic body are connected in a disconnectable manner by means of a fastening element, while the inner sleeve contains: the body of the sleeve having an axial channel passing through it; discrete positioning flange connected to the distal end of the body of the sleeve; and a tip connected to the distal surface of a discretely positioning flange; an adjustment mechanism located around the tip of the inner sleeve and containing: the first rotating element having an axial channel passing through it and containing: polygonal recess at the far end; and an inner recess at the proximal end configured to accommodate a discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve therein; a second rotating element having a threaded axial channel extending through it, the second rotating element comprising: a polygonal head at a distal end configured to mate with a polygonal recess of the first rotating member; and a proximal portion comprising an internal recess configured to accommodate the tip of the inner sleeve therein; a biasing element located next to the proximal part of the second rotating element; and an elongated element provided with an external thread, by means of a thread connected inside the second rotating element of the adjusting mechanism, b) take the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve into the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element and, thus, prevent the adjustment mechanism from rotating around the inner sleeve and the elongated element in the first locked position, c) move the first rotating element relative to the second rotating element and the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element along the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod and rotate the first rotating element around the inner sleeve to thereby remove the first rotating element from interacting with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and to allow rotation the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element in the second unlocked position, d) rotate the adjusting mechanism around the inner sleeve and the elongated element and, thus, move the elongated element inside the axial channel made in the inner sleeve, while continuously adjusting the full length of the connecting rod, and e) the biasing element is biased to return to the first locked position when the adjusting mechanism rotates around the inner sleeve and the elongated element and when the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating element is aligned with the discretely positioning flange of the inner sleeve and receives the specified flange. 11. The method according to p. 10, according to which, when the fastener is loosened, it is possible to slide the inner sleeve inside the axial channel of the telescopic housing during quick adjustment and, thus, the full length of the connecting rod is adjusted. 12. The method according to p. 10, according to which the telescopic housing comprises a first hinge connected to the proximal end portion of the body of the housing, and a first rotating element located in the first hinge, the first rotating element comprising a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the first way rotating element with a first retainer ring. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the elongated member provided with an external thread comprises a second hinge connected to a distal end portion of the threaded rod and a second rotating member disposed in the second hinge, the second rotating member comprising a second connecting mechanism configured to connecting in a disengaged manner a second rotating member with a second ring. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the outer circumference of the discretely positioning flange is substantially similar to the shape of the inner side wall of the inner recess of the proximal end of the first rotating member and, thus, allows the discretely positioning flange to be placed in the inner recess in the first locked position. 15. The method according to p. 11, according to which the connecting rod further comprises a sequence of indicators on the surface of the inner sleeve, configured to indicate the relative length of the connecting rod during quick and smooth adjustments.

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